SOUTHERN CHARM

Day 1 : Arrival in Rio (- / - / -)

On arrival in Rio, a guide and vehicle will be ready and waiting to assist. From here, it is onward to the sophisticated Fasano hotel, home for the next three nights. The Fasano is a Philippe Starck inspired modern day classic, fitting perfectly into the fashionable neighbourhood of Ipanema where it is located. Opened in 2007, it is a firm favourite with the in-crowd, offering modern luxury and stylish comfort, a rooftop sundeck and an infinity pool seemingly overflowing onto Ipanema Beach. The terrace offers fabulous views of the coastline and is a particularly beautiful spot to watch the sun set over the ocean, with the iconic Morro Dois Irmãos as backdrop.

After check-in, the rest of the day is best spent at leisure, building up energy for the coming days‘ travel.

Day 2 : Tijuca Forest and Botanical Gardens with visit to designer Isabela Capeto’s studio (B / - / -)

This morning, what better place to enjoy Yoga with an expert teacher than deep in the Tijuca National Park, the world‘s largest urban rainforest and a triumph of reforestation. Covering the hills which surround Rio, this man-made tropical forest offers a stark contrast of natural calm to the busy concrete jungle of Rio’s streets. The trails wind past multiple waterfalls, orchid gardens, and tropical fruit trees, all of which thrive in this protected space.

After a transfer from the hotel, the guide and teacher will lead along scenic tracks until reaching a suitable clearing, at which point the lesson will begin. The location is unique, and there will be a chance to enjoy the flora and fauna both before and after the class, during the relaxed hikes to and from the chosen site.

Feeling fully refreshed and calm after Yoga, there will be a break for lunch before the next stop of the day, a visit to the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. Paradoxically located right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Rio, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro is widely regarded as Brazil’s most impressive botanical garden. There is an extraordinary array of over 6,000 native and foreign plant species, Tamarins (small omnivores related to monkeys) and a host of colourful bird species thriving amongst the tropical vegetation. The lush, spacious gardens are an oasis of calm, and a little bit of a history lesson. First opened in the year 1822, there is still much of the original architecture and ornamentation on show, making a walk through the gardens feel like going back in time. As the pathways snake through the flora, some culturally noteworthy stops along the walking tour include the old gunpowder factory, and the Solar da Imperatriz, home to the National School of Tropical Botany, the first of its kind in Latin America.

The trip ends with a visit to the atelier of Isabela Capeto, considered to be one of the most influential designers and stylists in Brazil today, known to create unconventional and supremely glamorous embroidered patterns, which are like a work of art in themselves, before returning to the hotel.

Day 3 : Santa Teresa artist tour (B / - / -)

Santa Teresa has a long love affair with the art world, and today’s tour will offer a glimpse into it. From the early 20th-century and the times of Laurinda Santos Lobo, one of Rio’s great patrons of the arts, to today’s world famous street artists, this area has attracted creative types for generation after generation. One can feel the spirit of this district and its people by visiting the ateliers of those who have adopted the neighbourhood as their home, and the ideal place to expand their imagination.

This morning then, the guide will lead the way to visit three artists who live and work in Santa Teresa. Time will be spent in their workshops, discovering the creative process, techniques and inspiration behind not just their own work, but also the wider artistic culture associated with Santa Teresa, Rio, and Brazil as a whole. Later, there will be time to explore the nearby artist market, with an opportunity to pick up some unique pieces and memorable souvenirs.

The rest of the day is spent at leisure. If it’s your first time in Rio, make the most of your last afternoon and visit the city’s most famous landmarks; Corcovado with its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. From the summit you will be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city, specially at sunset.

Day 4 : From Rio to the mighty Iguaçu Falls and a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride (B / - / -)

This morning, a vehicle will be on-hand ready for the transfer back to Rio airport, in time for an onward flight to Iguaçu. On arrival, transfer to Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel able to boast an unbeatable location right on the Falls.

This superb five-star hotel is one of the most unique in the prestigious Belmond collection. Located just a few hundred metres from the main Falls, the on-site Iguaçu lookout point offers the most incredible views throughout the day, with the roar of water continually audible in the distance. Das Cataratas’opulent decor, live music, fantastic restaurants and elegantly designed rooms are more than a match for this one-off location.

Having checked into the hotel, head to the on-site trail starting point to enjoy a gentle wildlife walk while witnessing the untamed force of nature that is Iguaçu. The subtropical rainforests which cover the landscape are home to a huge variety of jungle plants, tropical trees, and 400 bird species. The walkways offer incredible panoramic views at numerous lookout points along the route to the main falls, so ensure time is taken to enjoy these changing perspectives on the way. The spectacular Devil’s Throat is the big highlight of this experience and is clearly visible from various angles leading up to and on the climax of the trek where the water drops over 80 metres with a force strong enough to create a never-ending spray cloud 10 metres high, and hikers will have a fantastic view of this phenomenon on arrival.

Next, comes a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it’s time to belt up, and board the waiting helicopter for a private flight over Iguaçu. The iconic views associated with South America’s most dramatic natural wonder can only be fully appreciated from the air, with the scale of the National Park, the hundreds of feeding streams and many falls which contribute into the Devil’s Throat coming sobering into view as you rise; making for a remarkable and memorable experience.

Domestic flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu

Day 5 : Argentinian side of the Falls (B / - / -)

Today enjoy a full day tour of the Argentinian side of the Falls and National Park. To visit the Falls, the most convenient option is by rail, courtesy of a track which was specially designed for the Park. The train connects three stations; Central Station (where the Visitors´ Centre is located), Cataratas Station, which gives access to lower and upper trails, and the Devil’s Throat Station, which leads to the main falls. It is a scenic 7 km route of around 20 minutes. The tracks run along the Iguazú River and the train runs at speeds of no more than 20 km/h, stopping whenever animals cross the lines.

The Park offers three well-signed walking trails: The Green Trail is a relaxed walk (650 m) passing a swamp and various native flora. Cataratas Station is the starting point of the longer Upper (1700 m) and Lower (1400 m) Trails, offering great panoramic views at numerous lookout points. The final Lower Trail offers a more intimate approach to the falls from below, showcasing the immensity of this natural wonder, as the water pounds relentlessly into the rocks at the foot of The Devils Throat.

Day 6 : Iguaçu to Florianópolis (B / - / -)

Today will involve a transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Florianópolis. On arrival in Florianópolis, a support vehicle will be waiting for the 60 km journey to the exclusive Ponta dos Ganchos Resort.

Supremely situated on a private peninsula and surrounded by the verdant Costa Esmeralda, Ponta dos Ganchos is the ideal end to this tour. The hotel is known for it is sublime food and impeccable service, with restaurant dishes supplied by an onsite organic garden and 90% of staff originating from the nearby historic town of Governador Celso Ramos. The resort’s privileged location assures complete privacy and intimacy. The added extra of expansive views across the ocean will ensure an exceptional stay for the remaining four nights of this trip. Once checked into the hotel, the rest of this day is spent at leisure.

Domestic flight from Foz do Iguaçu to Florianópolis

Journey time from Florianópolis Airport to Governador Celso Ramos: approx. 1 h (60 km)

Day 7 : Luxury massage and private island dinner (B / - / D)

Today, enjoy the soothing effects of a traditional relaxation massage. This treatment has been specially designed to enhance well-being, release stress, and promote a restorative relief from tension. Using a combination of hot cinnamon oil, heated herbs and sensitive lighting, the one-hour thirty-minute holistic therapy is a suitable introduction for the leisurely days to come at Ponta dos Ganchos.

This evening, one of the highlights of any stay here is dinner beneath a private island gazebo, away from the central hotel. Completely secluded, and entirely private, the island is only accessible courtesy of an extended walkway along the rocky outcrop leading from the main beach. Here, the hidden one table restaurant will be served by individual waiters, dishing up a special menu in the most idyllic surroundings imaginable. Candlelight, gentle waves lapping at the rock below, and some of the best food anywhere in Brazil will help to ensure this is a moment to remember.

Day 8 : Full day at leisure to further explore the surroundings (B / - / -)

Today is best spent relaxing and enjoying the resort’s excellent facilities. Alternatively, if you’re up for a little adventure, explore the region’s hidden bays and beaches. Praia de Fora is relatively easily accessible via a trail that leads through pristine Atlantic Rainforest. The 100 m long stretch of white sandy beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and, by many, considered one of the most beautiful spots in the area to watch the sun rise over the ocean.

If you are in the mood for a longer hike, you will love the 1-hour walk to the even more isolated Praia dos Ilhéus. Accessible only on foot, Praia dos Ilhéus is an untouched paradise and, with excellent waves, an insider tip among the local surf community.

Day 9 : Day at leisure by the beautiful Costa Esmeralda (B / - / -)

As your trip draws to a close, enjoy a full day at leisure taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Ponta dos Ganchos provides equipment for a variety of water sport activities such as snorkelling, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. It is also possible to arrange a private boat tour or helicopter ride to enjoy your last day in paradise in style.

Day 10 : Homeward bound (B / - / -)

On the last day of the tour, a driver will be on hand at the required time for a transfer from the hotel to the airport, in preparation for onward flights.

Journey time from Governador Celso Ramos to Florianópolis Airport: approx. 1 h (60 km).

End of the Tour